Progress, I think

Hey all!

I suppose the title pretty much sums up what I am writing about today. I don't want you to get the wrong idea though...I do not yet have a job. Yes, a bit of a bummer, but I think there is still some progress happening. It's a bit of a story, but I definitely feel it needs to be shared. I know a lot of people have been thinking of me, praying for me, sending me leads (ok...that's just my mom), and sending me general well wishes. I think it's only fair to update you all on stuff (and if I see you back home at graduation business we can further discuss life and all its ups and downs in person).

So it's been a week since I quit my job. Only a week, but I feel like I have applied for everything under the sun, even though I probably haven't. I am sure there is more to apply for. I think eventually it all starts to sound the same but it is just in a different location, but what do I know? Anyway, I just think you all should know that I have not once regretted my decision. If there is any sort of regret happening it is just that I am not making any money. And if that is all that I was in for I should probably find something else, because daycare work is for the benefit of the kids (or it should be) and not for the money (which is pretty evident if you have ever worked at a daycare and looked at your paycheck). I feel it was the right decision, though that does not make the job hunt any less stressful.

So basically I've been applying for jobs that are office work mostly, with one library job in the Music Resource Center at UW Oshkosh (fingers crossed...I kinda liked that one but haven't heard anything yet. Though it only closed on Monday). I've been getting a lot of rejection emails. I was rejected, yet again, by the Appleton Public Library (yea...I cried a little. Clearly it worked way too well into my plan in my head but not the plan that is actually for me) as well as a few others (ohhh wait until I decide to write about the worst interview I've ever had in my life...no names of organizations will be given out due to the fact that I still love it, and am happy not to work there). So this week has been a bit of the same old same old. I have been applying and getting notice that they have it all and not hearing back or getting a rejection. It's been hard, and today has been a bit of a tipping point. I have never felt so frustrated or defeated. I have been in tears a good portion of the day today. It's been rough. Its been hard to calm myself and to focus on the things I should be doing today, even if its just that the laundry needs to be done. I have been struggling, and I've only been unemployed a week. Kind of ridiculous. Well, I have always been told there's only one thing that should be done at this point. I knew it was time to pray. Time to seriously just take myself away from it all and have some one-on-one time. It'd not that I don't do this ever, but sometimes I procrastinate doing it. Well as I'm sobbing and praying I get a phone call from a number I do not know. Hello impromptu phone interview! Did it go well? Ha ha....uhm not really. I mean I tried my hardest to sound confident, but in all honesty...I didn't really research the company (oops!) so I knew very little. She was very nice about it and told me what to research in case I get called in for an actual interview, but let's just say it was clear that my mother is really hoping that one of her children pursues a career in the financial business or something...it was a bit over my head. I appreciate you sending it to me though mom! It kind of came at an important time for me.

The way I see it...that phone call was not necessarily my future job calling me. If it is, I would be surprised because that is not a career path I completely understand. I think it was God's way of showing me that I am not forgotten and I am not being passed over. I have so many applications out there and so many resumes out there, and its kind of feeling like people are just not looking at mine at all and just sending rejections. But I have so many that have not been responded to yet, and I really feel like God was reminding me that he listens and that it's coming. Patience. I need patience. Trust. I need to trust. I am not forgotten, and I think that's what that phone call was. I am actually confident that is what it was. I will not be completely disappointed if that does not result in an interview in person, because I don't quite think that's what was being communicated (but BONUS if it does!). It's just crazy how He answers prayers, and how He shows you that He is there and has not forgotten about you and what you have going on in your life. It's a pretty amazing feeling.

So that's it. That's my update. I think it's progress in a way that I wasn't expecting. God has so much to teach me, and this was just one of those moments. I am so thankful and grateful for all of you! Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. This move has not been easy, and I think I can speak for both of us. But it means so much to know I have all your support back home. Please continue to pray for us. We're getting somewhere, I know it.

This song has become a fast favorite.

Wishes on a Sunny Day

As I sit here within miles of gorgeous Lake Winnebago I day dream of being on it. Yes, I would like to be on Lake Winnebago right now. Or on the beach basking in the sun. Or swimming in it. I really don't care at this point. We walked by it and it is gorgeous and I just want to be out and about on this lovely day.

See? Isn't that pretty? Don't you just want to lay out your towel and soak up the sun while reading a good book? I sure do. But present company doesn't want to, which is fine. I'm kind of surprised I got them out long enough to go to the lake, but that is an entirely different story. So with this lovely weather I have been making a wish list. Most of these things are pretty practical, but with financial situations and a not so fabulous start to a job hunt I can't really have all these things. But here it is, my sunny day wish list:

• A bike. I have never in my life been without a bike. Even when I was living at my mom's she would let me use her bike. Or when I lived 5 miles away from her I was told I could use her bike. It was a fantastic thing. I love biking. Sadly, I am now without a bike in a fairly bike friendly area. There are bike trails all over the place, and I just want to hop on a bike and go. It's really sad that I can't have one right now. Too spendy.

• Nice balcony furniture is on my list. Yea....I think this means I'm old. We have chairs for sitting around a bonfire or at a parade. We fold them up when we're done and just put them away by the door. It works fine, but I want like actual chairs and I want a table. It doesn't have to be expensive or fancy, but I want it. I have been spending a lot more time reading my books out there and I want to set a drink on something or bring a snack out with me. I also want to take full advantage of the balcony, which apparently is not something people around here do. I swear I have never seen anyone sitting on their balcony.

• I also want plants of some sort on my balcony. Nothing fancy, just some flowers or something. I think that pictures works for both of these old people wishes that I apparently have. If you wish to send me these things please refer to my Pinterest :)
• A kayak! Is this another old person thing? I don't think so. Anyway, this could easily be stored in my garage (the people across from us have some stashed in their garage). This would be an excellent way for me to get on the water and to get exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. I could get some sun (which seriously brightens my mood. I am not joking when I say I have seasonal depression as I have found out) and enjoy this gorgeous world God has created. That and I could kayak race Jake. So yea...we'd need two. But I suppose I could make friends and those friends could have a couple kayaks. I'd be ok with that.

• A BOAT! Ok, this may not be the most practical one. So I'll settle for friends with a boat. I literally only want it for boating. I don't care about fishing or tubing at all. I just want to drive around a lake, find different spots to get out and chill, and get back in to drive around again. I just love that part of boating sooo much. I would have LOVED to be on the lake today. 

• A non-lifeguard suit! You have no idea how badly I want this. I literally only have one-piece lifeguarding suits. I'm not saying I want the itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini, but I want someone that doesn't give me the lifeguard tan (ohhh man, I'm gunna miss that tan). But since that's all I have that is what I will be laying out at the pool in this week. Oh well, I can't complain too much because I do have a suit, but it's just been so long since I've owned a non-guard suit. And I want to do that, so bad. One day...

Ok...so this list isn't as cool as it should be. I just want to enjoy the sunshine. Sadly, I am no longer doing that and only was out and about for maybe an hour or two. Maybe I should make friends... I have a feeling Jake won't be all for days at the beach. Oh well. 

Later Wisconsin!

yea...I'm obsessed with this song.

Kids Say the Darndest Things

Hi there. Yes, I'm terrible at blogging but oh well. I've had a crazy couple of months that involved me doing the following things: quitting two jobs that I love, saying goodbye to all of my friends and family, moving to a new state, searching for a job, finding a job, hating my job and all that goes with it, feeling like I'm being treated poorly at my job, quitting my job, and finally the stage that I'm at now...looking for a new job. Yes, I should have found a new job before quitting my old one. It's a really long story that involves many different things. Quitting at a daycare is not something I take lightly. I mean there are kids involved and all of that. I felt it was necessary. I do, however, have a great list of things that kids have said or done while I was working there. Kids are crazy guys. Absolutely crazy. Some of the things they say are very sweet, some are a bit selfish and conceited (though that is not always the intention), and it's just fun. So here are a few things that the kiddos I worked with over the past month have said or done:

• I never really quite understood just how obsessed kids are with Frozen until I worked in a daycare with 3-4 year olds. I adore that movie, I really do. But I have to temporarily break up with it. Why, you may ask... I have heard "Let It Go" and "Do You Wanna Build A Snowman" belted out at the top of small lungs from the hours of 7:15-4:30 each and every day. There is always someone singing it, and it doesn't matter the current situation or place they are in. It can be at the table while we are eating. It can be while they are playing in different areas of the classroom or playground. ANNNND it's also in the bathroom. Like when they just go in quick. I have heard "Do You Wanna Build A Snowman" belted out while they use the bathroom. Yea...I need a break form that one for awhile.
• Kids are obsessed with the following names: Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff. They name all of their stuffed animals, barbies, and make believe names after them. They reenact the entire movie if they can get away with it. But I have started to believe that these are the only names that the kids know. They like Olaf...but it's apparently just not as good.
• They are all convinced that Sven is a moose. Yea...good luck trying to tell them that he is a reindeer and not a moose. I think these children really need to start identifying animals more often.
• They also confuse a lot of the plot up. Like who is actually who. They have had this argument going for the two weeks leading up to my last day about who actually sings "Let It Go." Really?? I thought it was pretty obvious that it was Elsa, the Ice Queen, that sang it. Well this turns into a full blown argument that apparently no one is winning.
• They don't actually know all the words to the songs that they sing. They typically are singing random words that pop into their head or just sounds that kind of sound like the word.
• They make up their own rules for EVERYTHING. There were some memory games that I have played many times with these kids, and each one had their own set of rules. I honestly don't even know all the rules and could not tell you how they tried to get me to play. All I know is that when I tried to lay them all out and take turns matching they yelled "Ms. Emily!!! That's not right!" One day a volunteer showed them the right way, so I thought maybe I was in the clear, but it was obvious that they were just pretending they thought she was right.  There is seriously no way to tell them that they are wrong.
• I had a kid walk up to me one day. I say walked, but really he creepily snuck up on me. He then used the creepiest voice possible (I have no idea if that was intentional or not) and said "I like to jump. Do you like to jump?" Yea...and then before I could answer he ran away. I hope you are reading that in a super creepy voice. And yes, he giggled as he ran away.
• This was one of my favorite moments. It's one of those moments that the kids has no clue what they are saying but they laugh it off like they knew all along and only the two teachers in the room are laughing. Yes, it was good. Background: the kids don't listen. Like at all. We were working on getting some things put into place, some behavior management, that really wasn't working TOO well but slowly improving things. Well, we were having a talk with them. We were telling them our plan for the day and we were asking them how to make good choices and all of that. It was part of the required group time. Well it was pretty quiet and all of the sudden one of the girls sneezes...like super loud. And before we can say anything she yells in a sassy voice "Bless me!" Yea....I was dying. She just basically thought she was saying what you were supposed to say after a sneeze but clearly did not realize that we do not say that about ourselves. Well she laughed it off because she knew we thought she was funny and the rest of the kids kind of giggled awkwardly because they were confused. Yes, it was pretty funny.
• One of the girls told me it takes her mom 7 minutes to do their laundry. I really want to know where her mom learned that impressive skill.

Yes, my experience at the daycare wasn't ALL bad. There were moments, glimmers of hope, that kind of had me hanging on as long as I did (which still wasn't as long as I had intended). In the end there were issues with myself not really clicking into a role that I feel needs someone to click in plus issues with how things were run etc. But...I do have a really cool moment (which was followed by horrible realizations and such).

The kids are allowed to bring in toys of their own. They really don't get to play with them for a good portion of the day, but before breakfast they get to. Kids typically brought in books, cars, stuffed animals, barbies...the usual (though one time a kid brought in user manuals for some of his games...yea, he was a hilarious child that I will miss). Well one day a girl brought in her picture bibles. It was honestly the cutest thing I have ever heard. I think her mom was a little unsure about her bringing those in since the center doesn't really allow for any sort of religious affiliation. She told me that she and her daughter had started going to church recently and she begged and begged to bring in these bibles. It was seriously one of the most adorable and heart-warming things I have ever seen. She was just in love with them and was so excited to show them off to her friends and to tell them the different things she's learned with them. Unfortunately, there is this no religious affiliation part of the center. I totally understand that. I mean I had assumed that we weren't supposed to teach that kind of stuff to the kids, and I was ok with that. But they were SO negative towards it. Like my first day we were just looking through stuff and each time a reference to God or anything like that was made in a book the assistant teacher in my room would make a big deal about it and essentially throw it in the garbage. First off, someone could have wanted that book. Secondly, I was a bit upset about that. I was a bit upset about how adamant they were about not showing any of these things to the kids. So...back to the girl with the bibles. The substitute teacher that was in the room with me went over to look at what she was showing her friends and gave a super dirty look and said "you need to put that away" in the most demeaning sort of way. Like that these books that this little girl loved so much and was showing to her friends was not important at all. She started to cry. Thankfully it was time to put things away and move on anyway, so that was the reasoning I gave her for needing to put them away, but it just kind of hurt me to see that. God is the one thing they cannot mention in the classroom and cannot believe in. But the Easter Bunny is cool I guess. The Tooth Fair is too (though the kids aren't really losing their teeth yet). Santa...he's a big one. And these are ridiculous things to let the kids believe in. The center can talk about those all they want but they totally dismiss God. This is one of those things that I didn't want to be a part of. I can't say this was my deciding moment. It definitely was not, there were so many other factors. But this was one of those moments where it was clear to me that I could not teach these kids in the way I had believed. I'm not saying I was going to preach to them, but I also would not deny them these things. This was hard for me. Very hard. And I pray for that little girl every day. I pray that she keeps reading and keeps going to church. 

So yea... that's a bit of my life the last couple of months. I have no regrets quitting my job. It was 100% the right thing to do (though getting a steady paycheck would have been nice). This job is not one that you stay at for the money. You have to love the kids. You have to love what you are doing. You have to know that you are going to teach them and make a difference in their lives. I did not feel like I could do that in this environment. It was a very negative environment that shot down beliefs. I did not love what I was doing, at all. I felt like I was constantly yelling at the kids and that killed me. I did like the kids, and I feel bad that I couldn't do more for them. But it was obvious that there is someone better out there for that job and I pray that they find that person.

Top Ten Tuesday.

Top Ten Tuesday is something that a blog that I follow, The Broke and the Bookish, does every Tuesday. I've always wanted to participate but normally missed it due to work or just being completely clueless as to the day of the week and such. This week is top ten gateway books/authors that were a big part in my love for reading, so how in the world could I turn down the chance to talk about the books I read that got me here. This is in no particular order at all.

1. Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

I was homeschooled as a kid, so this series not only was something fun for me to read, but it also worked in with some Social Studies stuff as well. I loved these books and read them multiple times. It was one of those I could not put down. It's possible I loved it so much because a lot of the setting was near where I grew up. It's possible I was very fond of reading books set in this particular time period. It's possible I was interested in the various things that were going on because they were things that I did not see in the 90's and 2000's. I'm sure it was a mix of all of those, but I absolutely loved these books and reading about life on the Prairie. It got me really into historical fiction and reading about families settling into new areas. It was a huge genre for me after reading this book, and I still enjoy them (if only I could find some good ones).

2. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Oh gosh, I loved this book. Unfortunately, it's been so long since I've read it that I can't pinpoint just why I was so in love with it. I think that I loved the world that surrounded this book. I loved what this garden did for the characters. It was one of those books that just made me so happy. I really should read this one again when I get the chance. I think that I would dive into it even more and pick up on more. I just remember that I was absolutely in love with this book and wanted to read more like it as often as I could.

3. The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Ok, come on...who didn't love the Boxcar Children? I seriously loved them. I thought it would be so fun to live in a box car like they did. I used to imagine myself in their situation and the different things I would do if I livd in a boxcar. I was kind of a nerdy kid. I read quite a few from this particular series, though I can't remember all of them (because there are SO many). These were really fun adventure stories that kept pushing me into trying to find a series. I still recommend these to kids today.

4. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

It's quite possible this was the first book to make me cry. I sobbed when I read this one. I was so involved in this book it's insane. I think I was in 6th grade when I read it, and it was just the first one I got so emotionally invested in. It's what really got me to read Kate DiCamillo books. She is a fantastic author. This is another one of those books that I honestly don't remember too well. I am one of those that unfortunately has a hard time remembering what books where about past a certain point. I mean I know the basics, but sometimes I'll forget details and such. But I do remember absolutely adoring this book and have always kept an eye out for what Kate DiCamillo is doing.

5. True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

I read this one in school. I remember it was my first year in a public school and I was excited because I was placed in an upper level reading group. It was with two other people who I became pretty good friends with throughout my schooling there. I just remember LOVING this book. The language, the story, the journey the main character went on. I loved loved loved it. It's one of those that I also recommend to people all the time. Once again, can't remember all the details of this particular book but I loved it and it got me into reading more books like this with female characters, which is not always easy to find.

6. Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace

This was just a wonderful story about young friendship with a really great series that went along with it. I loved this book and the series so much (and I am so mad I never went to see the Betsy-Tacy houses when I was going to school in Mankato). It was one of those that was simple and fun and easy and I loved it. I think it gave me a good description of friendship. It also was another historical-fiction piece that I loved. It seems that historical-fiction was HUGE in my childhood.

7. Harry Potter series by JK Rowling

Did you doubt that this series would make the list? This book really threw me into the world of fantasy. It was a book series that I waited and waited for each and every release date (most of the series that I was into in the past were considered classics and we just already owned all of them or they weren't flying off the library shelves) and then devoured once we got the new copy. It was the first book series that I watched come to life in front of me in the screen. I grew up with Harry Potter. I was immersed in his world and all that happened. I was CRUSHED when characters died and I was cheering them on throughout the entire series. It opened up a whole new world of reading for me, and I love it.

8. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

I read this book more times than I could count. Seriously, I devoured it time and time again. This was one of those books that threw me into the world of fractured fairy tales. I would read so many of her books, and this one got me into the rest of them. I recommend these to young girls (like 4th grade and up...maybe 3rd grade) all the time. They are just entertaining, and books that I would just finish in a couple hours. And don't be fooled, this book is NOT at all like the movie. The book is SO much better than the movie. Like a million times better. I mean I did find the movie light and fun, but it was not at all like the book. I would even read it now, again, if I had the chance.

9. Voyage on the Great Titanic by Ellen Emerson White

Oh my gosh, this book. I read this book many times and was obsessed with finding out more about the Titanic (I kinda read this when we had dial up internet though so my priorities when I got computer time kind of shifted and never to find out more about it). I would read so many other books about it, but this was my favorite one. I connected with a character on the Titanic and I think I cared about it more throughout this book than anything other. I loved the Dear America series. I read as many of these as I could. I loved the idea of connecting with one individual person throughout some event in history. It reminded me that these things were personal to people when they were happening. I mean we read about them in our classes through textbooks and don't look at what an individual might actually be going through. I loved these books so much, and even have my own personal collection of them.

10. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

This book.... I loved this book. I remember reading it for a few different classes at various points in my schooling, but the first time I read it I only read a preview. I remember it was part of our textbook in 6th (?) grade so we only read part of it. I immediately went to the library to find it and demolished this book. It was one of those stories I was not used to. It got me into reading more and more stories about the Holocaust, but it also got me into reading about people that were helping victims of the Holocaust. I for some reason really like to read books on this topic. I think it helps me remember things that I wasn't even alive for. It breaks my heart, but it reminds me that even during that dark time there was good in some people. This was one of my favorites. And it has been on my syllabus multiple times in my life between middle/high school and college. It's an excellent book.

Ah, that was fun. Kind of took me down memory lane and reminded me what I enjoyed so much as a kid. I am shocked to see just how much historical fiction really has influenced my reading in the past. That's something that I hope to get back to. I really liked doing this. Hope I can do it again next week!

It's like I rediscovered TV

It's my birthday!! WHOOOOO! Another year older. It's been a nice, relaxing day filled with a mediocre cafe (well, their lunch menu was mediocre...the cheesecake I had was delicious), a romantic comedy, and finishing up my book (and now I'm waiting and anticipating the Walking Dead finale...EEK!)  

 

But THAT is not what my point for this particular blog entry is about. Today is about....My first week of TV for over a year!!!!!

Yep, I have not had any sort of TV for a little over a year. No dish, no cable, nothing but netflix and the internet (which has worked out fine...but some live things I have definitely missed). It was interesting to see what I would gravitate to during my first week of tv....

1. BASEBALL! Thank goodness for Spring Training. I have watched a baseball game a day. It's been fantastic (though I'm quite sad it hasn't ALWAYS been a Twins game..). I've really missed watching that and even though I may not get to watch those Twinkies I will get to watch a wide variety of teams.

2. The Today Show! Seriously...I have no idea why in the world I have been watching The Today show. I honestly don't care about any of it...AT ALL. But each morning by about 8 I had it on because I was already awake. Ridiculous, I know.... But I did watch just to see Shakira one day, so there was a reason once...

3. THE VOICE!!!!! I am SO pumped I have been able to watch it live this week. I normally have to watch like a day later, and I hated it. But HOORAY for being able to watch The Voice while it's happening! I really don't have much else to say about this one. No embarrassment at all.

4. Cupcake Wars... Yes....cupcake wars. How in the heck did I start watching that? I think I was kinda groggy and I though "OHHH I like cupcakes" and then decided that THIS was what I should be watching at the exact moment. They were doing cupcakes for Monster Trucks. Yes...because every time I see Monster Trucks I automatically think that I should find a cupcake. And the cupcakes had to be "manly" because men need manly cupcakes. I just...I dunno. It was stupid.

5. What Not To Wear! Again, not embarrassed. Seriously, can I submit myself to this show? I am sure my style is less than desirable AND who wouldn't love a $5,000 shopping spree. I could go by their rules. I could pretend to put up a fight. I could go for a full out makeover. Oh...that would be lovely. Though the rest on the shows on TLC suck. Seriously. Stacy and Clinton come save me!!!! AND COME BACK ON THE AIR!!!

6. Parks and Recreation. WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME THAT THIS HAD SOLID TWO HOUR BLOCKS ON VARIOUS CHANNELS????? Seriously, my life is complete! I love this series, and could watch all the episodes (well....minus the first season) over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over. I love it.

7. Family Feud. Seriously. How could you not watch this if it's on. You don't technically have to pay attention. You can yell out the better answers when the contestants clearly have NO idea what they are talking about. You can discuss how awesome you'd be on the show. You could laugh as people do ridiculous things. It's awesome.

8. HARRY POTTER WEEKEND ON ABC FAMILY! I don't know what it is, but I ALWAYS watch HP when it's marathoning on ABC Family even though I own all the movies. I don't quite understand why in the world I would sit through this because there's all the commercials. But they have the extended scenes and this weekend they're showing behind the scenes looks at Captain American (but he's not my favorite so I don't know why I'm watching it still). I mean they have all those ads for the terrible TV shows that they show (seriously...what the heck is Twisted and why does that kid have the creepiest mustache in the world?). But yes, ABC Family knows me well. Now...to prepare myself for the heartbreaking end of Dobby :(

That's just a list of the few things that I've been watching. I've also DVR'd The Incredibles (uhm, why wouldn't I DVR that one). I've caught up on Vikings. I'm recording the season finale of Walking Dead. I've watched Friends (because that is now on TV just as much as Parks and Rec). I've watched the local news to try to understand WI. And...I've watched a Knight's Tale.

It probably sounds like I've done nothing but stare at my TV for the past week, but I promise I've accomplished other things. I've unpacked a lot of stuff (though there's still more to do). I've cooked. I've taken my car to get fixed (ugh...). I've gone out to lunch with my husband. I've finished a book. and....I FOUND A JOB. 

I think a lil TV watching is ok, at least to get it out of my system so that when I start my job and all it won't be all the time. Plus, I tend to have it on from time to time just for the noise.

Week two of TV will be a little less crazy I'm sure. 

Hello from Wisconsin!!

I've made it to Wisconsin, my new home. Never would have thought I'd utter that sentence. But, we all know I'd pick Wisconsin over Iowa any day (no offense to anyone I may know from Iowa, but I just don't get that state...). It has been an adjustment, and it's still sinking in that I'm here. I do miss the good old state of MN, and all the things I was used to. Here's a few observations I've made about Wisconsin thus far:

1. Will I EVER get used to Wisconsin apparel being sold in a store instead of Minnesota Apparel? Seriously, I miss seeing my Twins in Target. Unrelated, do people here REALLY like the Brewers? Or do they cheer on another team? This is a serious question. I am not saying anything bad about the Brewers, I've just not been seeing a lot of Brewers apparel like I would Twins apparel in MN.

2. THERE IS BOOZE EVERYWHERE! Seriously, I can go to Target and get beer (and not just like crap beer, good beer) and other beverages of the alcoholic variety any day of the week! Not saying I'm boozing it up in Wisconsin or anything, but it sure is much more easily accessible here.

3. What is it with roundabouts here? I mean there are a ton where I am but I had to make my way through quite a few when I was moving over here on Friday. And man, are they confusing. Seriously. I was so lucky I was following someone or else I would have been lost and on my way to Lake Michigan or something.

4. Since being here I have observed a lot of stores and restaurants that you don't really see a lot anymore, and I am curious as to how they are successful. For example...the Sears here is still open and busy. Also, there are a ton of A&W's here. All things that I have seen get closed down. Bizarro. 

5. My husband discovered a really random restaurant that we ate at the other day. The building was clearly just a house at one point, but a spacious house. So the owner has transformed it into a restaurant. Oh, did I say just a restaurant? I meant that it has been transformed into a Mexican Restaurant. Yes. The food was pretty good, and pretty cheap. But the thing that totally threw me was when she asked if we had room for dessert. She didn't ask about dessert, she said "Did you guys save room for one of our homemade cupcakes?" Yes, this restaurant sells cupcakes. Massive cupcakes. Apparently they just opened a coffee shop within the restaurant not too long ago, and she sells giant, delicious cupcakes. She only had 4 different kinds, but I had the hardest time decided. I ended up going with the Root Beer Float cupcake. Yes, the giant mountain on the top is SOLID FROSTING. Not only that, but there was frosting in the middle as well. It's a bit embarrassing, but I demolished the entire thing.

Now those things are not meaning to say that I don't like it here, or can't like it here. I'm adjusting. It is quite the adjustment. I mean it just hasn't hit me yet that this is my home for who knows how long. On the bright side I love my apartment. I think it's only slightly smaller than my house. It's not super drafty. There aren't critters in the walls. Theres a gas fireplace that keeps this place nice and toasty (which really shouldn't be necessary at this point of the year, but that is a different story. My laundry room is right next to my bedroom. There's a dishwasher. We have TV (that may have to be a whole other post....my first week with TV). We have a garage. Really, quite nice. And I've been making some progress as far as unpacking and getting things situated goes (note: some progress. I'm still trying to remind myself that this is where I'll be living).

SEE! Progress!!

I really should get back to unpacking, but I am pretty sure I'm going to call it quits for the day. To be fair, I brought up some fairly heavy boxes today (seriously, books make for heavy boxes. We have a lot of books). I promise I've been productive. I've sent out resumes and everything! Looking for a job AND unpacking is pretty exhausting, I must say. 

Well, I just wanted to write a little update. Hopefully I have some much more exciting things to say later on this week. I really do want to keep family and friends back home up to date on how I'm doing and all that is going on for us. Keep us in your prayers as we continue to adjust to living here.

Oh...I did save the best for last...

Apparently there has been a crazy spreading through. Apparently people here suffer from...OCD. Yes, Obsessive Cullen Disorder.

I promise that is what the bumper sticker says. I realize it's low quality, and I apologize. This is not the only bizarre things that I've seen on cars. Some of the custom license plates have made me shake my head, a lot. I just...I just HAD to share this one. 

And now....a song that I cannot stop listening to. Darn those guilty pleasures.

It's all happening so quickly.

So....guess who's moving....in three days..

Yep, I am. I'm moving about 4 and a half hours away from my hometown. I've been saying my goodbyes (though we ALL know that I'll be back to visit. I'm not just going to leave this area and never come back. I don't think that's possible.) and I've finished up at my job and have been packing all week so that we're reading to load up and head out on FRIDAY. This has seriously been the longest/shortest week ever. There's so much I want to do, but don't have time. And yet there's so much I have to do that I'm running out of time for. It's crazy. I honestly can't accurately explain what is all going on in my head. I'm so excited, yet I'm also pretty sad to be leaving. It's not easy to leave what's familiar. And, let's be honest, it's pretty rare for anyone from our area of small towns to move more than an hour or two away. Seriously, I tell people where I'm moving and they are absolutely shocked that I could ever move that far (which doesn't always help my nerves, but I understand that they don't mean their response to be that way.). It's hard, because I'm leaving so much behind. I'd be lying if I said that I haven't spent a good portion of the last week crying for various reasons.

I've been comfortable here. I've loved my jobs, even if they were part time. I loved being close to my family and my husband's family. They've been so helpful, especially when Jake was gone at all of his military training. Honestly, he and I have hardly lived together over the past year and both of our families have been so helpful. I have some amazing friends in this area (but, let's be honest. We're GOING to make this whole distance thing work. DUH.). I have my own routine with my Zumba class (which I am SO sad about leaving), my church, my favorite small town cafe, and everything else around here. It's so hard to leave. But, I'm starting to think that maybe I'm too comfortable. I feel like I'm not really moving anywhere, and that's why I think this move is SO important for me. I think I need to be pushed out of that comfort zone a bit (or a lot. Let's be honest, getting pushed out of your home state is kind of scary). There's something out there for me, and this move is definitely the start of it. I have never felt the presence of God in my life more than I do now. I mean the move has come together fairly smoothly. We found our apartment quickly. We found a rather large supply of boxes. It was an easy transition out of both of my jobs, and at one of the libraries they found someone right away that could transition right in (which was a little hard to see, I have to admit. I was so glad to see that they wouldn't be struggling to fill it and she is super nice and will be a great fit, but is it ever fun to meet your replacement? No). I have been getting so much support from friends and family as I struggle to pack and getting everything in order for it. You all seriously have no idea how much of a blessing you have been. Whether you have been bringing me coffee, working out with me, or just hanging out with me and giving me a packing break...it has all been a HUGE blessing to me. Thank you so much.

I guess I mostly wanted to update to kind of give reasoning as to why we were moving besides Jake's job. I sometimes worry that people think I just follow him around like a puppy or something. Some of the people have looked less than convinced that I was for this move when I told them, and I guess I kind of want it all set straight. I seriously feel like this is a huge God thing, and it will be so good for us. I am so excited, but I am definitely getting pretty emotional about it as well. I mean I grew up here. I have a friends and family here. There are so many memories of my dad, and I can't say that I haven't been scared that those memories will feel less real when I'm not here. I mean, even the street I live on now holds memories of him. That's been weighing on me pretty heavily lately, which seems silly I know. I know it's a ridiculous thing to even think about, but it's definitely crossed my mind. I know it'll all be ok. I will definitely miss this small town. I mean, on Monday I had to run errands in town and all I had to do was walk a block to city hall and continue down Main Street just finishing each errand. I can just walk to Area 57 and grab a lunch, and normally they know exactly what I want. Or if I walk in and look confused they know exactly what I'll like. I have Jake's family 4 blocks away. My family is about 5 miles away (well except for those darn siblings of mine, but college will do that). I have friends within 20 minutes of my house (though...now they'll be at least 4 and half hours...). I live an hour away from the Twin Cities and those fantastic MN Twins that I will NEVER stop cheering for (sometimes I just don't cheer as loudly and offer constructive criticism. And yes, me saying "Just bench Plouffe already" definitely counts as constructive criticism...right???). This is all new, and it's not the easiest. But I know for a fact that God doesn't always make things easy, but when He has a plan it's going to work out exactly how He intends it to.

So now I just want to thank you all. To all those that have been praying for us, helping us, and encouraging us...thank you so much. You have been such a blessing for us during this process. Thank you so much. Please keep us in your prayers. I still need a job, and it's going to be a definite adjustment for both of us. But we encourage visitors (once we get unpacked and stuff obviously)! And we have a lot of different occasions to be back for throughout the coming year, or we can create occasions for me to come back for. I am actually going to attempt to keep this fairly up to date. I know, shocker. I just realize that I am moving away from pretty much everyone I know, so I would love to be able to keep you up to date on how things are going in the land of cheese. But feel free to keep in touch with me too! Facebook me. Email me. Call me. Text me. Facetime me. Snapchat me. Skype me. Seriously, with technology these days we have so many ways to keep in contact, we just have to make a little time in our schedules to do so. Or we could get creative and go all Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, except maybe not with pants. I was a little weirded out that a pair of jeans just magically fit four completely different girls. And that they would send it all over the world to feel close to their best friends. And that they wouldn't wash them because they were scared to lose the magic. I love the sentiment behind it. I love that story in general, but really...pants?

That's pretty much all I have to say in that area. I can't promise that future blog posts will be interesting. They might be what I'm reading, what TV show I love, how much cheese I've eaten (I am moving to Wisconsin...that's a thing they do right and not just a stereotype?), random ridiculous thoughts or maybe slightly serious thoughts. Who knows where this will go. But my goal for this move is to keep in touch. Because it is entirely possible these days, and we just have to make a little time for it. We make time for so many pointless things during the day, and the fact that we waste time staring at monitors and playing games that can wait over trying to stay in touch with others is ridiculous. Being busy with actual things is understandable, but being busy keeping up what that Bieber kid is doing now a days is not (unrelated, I haven't heard much. Has he decided to stop acting like and idiot and grow up? I sure hope so).

Well, I'm going to attempt to catch up on The Voice so that next week I can be on schedule with it since I WILL HAVE TV! I am pretty excited for that. Not because I'm addicted to TV, but because there have been things (BASEBALL, and other live events) that I really wish I could have seen that night instead of a day or two after the fact. Thank you all so much.

I really love Emeli Sande lately. Her songs are really well done, and most have a fairly positive message. And in the days of Beyonce saying that being a sex object is a positive thing I find this really nice.